When it leaves the heart, the aorta first moves up through the chest towards the head (the ascending aorta). It then bends or arches, and finally moves down through the chest and abdomen (the descending aorta).

Aortic dissection most often happens because of a tear or damage to the inner wall of the aorta. This very often occurs in the chest (thoracic) part of the artery, but it may also occur in the abdominal aorta.

When a tear occurs, it creates 2 channels:

One in which blood continues to travel

Another where blood stays still

If the channel with non-traveling blood gets bigger, it can push on other branches of the aorta. This can narrow the other branches and reduce blood flow through them.

An aortic dissection may also cause abnormal widening or ballooning of the aorta (aneurysm).

Swelling of the blood vessels due to conditions such as arteritis and syphilis

Aortic dissection occurs in about 2 out of every 10,000 people. It can affect anyone, but is most often seen in men ages 40 to 70.

Definition

Aortic dissection is a serious condition in which there is a tear in the wall of the major artery carrying blood out of the heart (aorta). As the tear extends along the wall of the aorta, blood can flow in between the layers of the blood vessel wall (dissection). This can lead to aortic rupture or decreased blood flow (ischemia) to organs.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will take your family history and listen to your heart, lungs, and abdomen with a stethoscope. The exam may find:

A "blowing" murmur over the aorta, heart murmur, or other abnormal sound

A difference in blood pressure between the right and left arms, or between the arms and legs

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